‘Shy’ Willian Relishing Brazil Captaincy

Chelsea winger Willian is relishing the opportunity to captain Brazil when they face Japan in Lille on Friday lunchtime. Coach Tite has a policy of rotating captains and Willian will be the 14th player to don the armband in the last 14 months.

The Chelsea man is honoured to wear the armband, even if he admits that he is a quiet player, “I think within the Seleção we're building a number of leaders. I'm the 14th in this game and I feel honoured.

“I thank Tite and the coaches for the opportunity, the confidence to be myself and have the captain's armband. Everyone knows my way, I'm shy, I do not talk much. But we have several types of leaders.”

On Friday’s opponents Japan, Willian says Brazil will be prepared, “We've been watching videos. It is a team that counterattacks very quickly. But as I said before, we need to worry about ourselves, with our performance on the field.

“I think it was very important when Tite joined the squad and brought us a lot of things to be mentally stronger, focused on the game. I think that's the most important thing, being strong on the pitch. You can win if you are always stronger mentally.”